Wazalendo fighters, with the support of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), launched simultaneous offensives against the M23 on several fronts in South Kivu, notably in Katana (Kabare territory) and Burhale (Walungu territory), on Saturday, April 12th.
In Kabare, violent clashes broke out in the localities of Kabamba and Katana-Centre. The Wazalendo managed to dislodge the M23 rebels on Saturday evening, but the latter quickly regained their positions on the morning of Sunday, April 13th, according to witnesses.
The M23 has massively evacuated Kavumu airport to reinforce its front lines to the north, on the Katana-Kabamba-Kalehe axis, while the Wazalendo are striving to advance towards this now partially deserted airport, local sources report.
In Walungu, fighting resumed after a brief lull, paralyzing all activities at the Burhale parish on this Palm Sunday. An inn suspected of harboring rebels was set on fire by the Wazalendo, as well as a vehicle parked on the premises.
Heavy gunfire continues to be heard in the Burhale group, although no human toll has yet been established. These offensives are part of an escalation marked by recent territorial gains by the Wazalendo, who have retaken eight localities in Kalehe and strategic areas in Nyangezi, despite the persistent threat of a counter-offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23.
With Okapi
